Wakefield pubs set to struggle in 2021 despite Covid grant money

Pubs and cafes across the district say a new government business grant will not be enough to keep them afloat.
Shaun Slater at the Black RockShaun Slater at the Black Rock
Shaun Slater at the Black Rock

Louise Waters owns Harry’s Bar in Wakefield city centre.

She said: “I appreciate all the grants given it’s no where near enough for what we have lost in takings over the last year and the only way we are going to be able to survive this and re open I’m the future is by getting severely in debt by using a bounce back loan so I estimate that this will impact me for at least the next five years. In the mean time I’m doing everything I possibly can to keep going and we have done everything from click and collect to home delivery.”

Shaun Slater runs the Black Rock in Wakefield city centre. He said; “Though the new grant is up to £9,000 the majority of us won’t qualify for that much. I know I don’t. Admittedly the government have been a big help but this year is going to be harder than last.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“Already some prices have gone up for when we reopen. Then when we do it will be in stages. Thankfully the pubco as been very good to us”.

Sam Carney owns the Travellers Inn in Stanley.

She said: “We have built our business up for 15 years and was very comfortable in the bank account however now e are seeing all our future disappear

“We have been closed since November and the grant is not enough. In the first lockdown they gave all businesses £10,000 and most of them stayed open.”